Former President Muhammadu Buhari will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in London. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, confirmed the burial plans in an interview with DW Hausa.
Radda said he had travelled to London to visit Buhari but received news of his death shortly before their return to Nigeria.
“I arrived on Friday to see him. We were preparing to return when the sad news came,” the governor said. “I have just left his family at the hospital. It has been agreed that his body will be flown to Daura for burial. God willing, they will depart England in the morning.”
He added that the burial is expected to take place on Monday, with Nigeria’s Vice President scheduled to arrive in London overnight and accompany the remains back home.
Tinubu Leads Tributes, Orders National Honours
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a week of national mourning in honour of the late former president. All national flags are to be flown at half-mast for seven days, beginning Sunday.
In a personally signed statement, Tinubu described Buhari as a patriot and a statesman who served Nigeria with distinction.
“President Buhari was, to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu said.
The president announced that an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will be held on Tuesday in Buhari’s honour. He also confirmed that Buhari will receive full state honours.
“Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life,” he added.
Tinubu praised Buhari’s efforts to fight corruption, instil discipline in public service, and prioritize national interest over personal gain.
He extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, their children, the wider Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State, especially the Daura Emirate.
“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him,” Tinubu said.
He assured that the federal government would give Buhari a befitting funeral and prayed for Allah to grant him eternal peace.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” Tinubu said.
